Trent Dilfer: Inside Protection = Magical And Sustainable Fitzpatrick
September 22nd, 2018
Longtime supporter and friend of Jameis Winston dating back to his high school days, retired QB Trent Dilfer has soaked in the Buccaneers’ quarterback situation and shared an Xs and Os look at why Ryan Fitzpatrick will continue his strong play.
Fans who followed Dilfer at ESPN know he is largely all about Xs and Os. That’s his strength along with training young QBs as part of his renowned camps.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show this week, Dilfer dove deep when asked about who will start at QB for the Bucs when Jameis returns. It will be smooth sailing for the Tampa Bay, Dilfer says, as they ride with Fitzpatrick for what could be long time.
“Fitz is a guy that’s going to handle whenever the transition [back to Jameis] happens again, he’ll handle it well,” Dilfer said. “He’s the ultimate team guy. He’s a pro’s pro. He’s everything you’re looking for; I hate to say this. He has starter ability, obviously, and he can get really hot like this and win you games, but he’s the ultimate backup, too, if you have a young guy like Jameis that you’ve groomed to be your franchise quarterback. The two of them will handle it well. I don’t think too much needs to be made of it.
“You’re going to play Fitz as long as he’s hot, and I don’t see it slowing down. You know his history is kind of like this. When he’s protected well, especially in the inside of the pocket. When you can protect, center-guard-guard area well for him, he’s always lit up defenses. He’s a super-aggressive passer, even though his stature doesn’t look like a gunslinger type, like a guy that can push the ball down the field. He’s always pushed the ball down the field well. He’s always made big plays. His limitations have been when he’s had teams that can’t protect him from that center-guard-guard area. He’s a guy that’s always struggled with that inside rush when he has to move left or right, has to play off schedule, because he still stays hyper-aggressive down the field. They do a great job down in Tampa protecting the middle of the pocket, giving him time to see and some space to work with.
“And I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon. They’re a talented offense with an offensive scheme that again, gives him the keys to the car. [It] allows him to make a lot of decisions before the ball is snapped to get himself and his team in the most advantageous play.”
That sweet interior pocket the Bucs have been maintaining for Fitzpatrick is an area to monitor Monday night against the Steelers.
Also, Joe agrees with Dilfer, the Fitzpatrick-Jameis transition will be smooth whenever it comes, this year or next. However, Joe does wonder how well Jameis might handle, from a football perspective, sitting on the bench for a month or more. Not every QB is wired to have a backup’s mentality and inactivity and then succeed when called to duty.
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:35 am
Excellent take by Dilfer
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:48 am
@ Joes,
Jameis knows how to be a relief pitcher. He’ll handle it fine…
But let’s all hope this Magic keeps on going and Jameis isn’t even needed this year…
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:52 am
Watching Trent Dilfer play QB was painful to watch. If the Bucs would have had even an average NFL QB while we had the leagues best defense we could have won so much more. What a shame and a waste…
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:55 am
I respect Trent Dilfer’s view on Fitz Majic. Wish we had the OL we have now when Dilfer was here and we would have had another Super Bowl victory.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:13 am
“[It] allows him to make a lot of decisions before the ball is snapped to get himself and his team in the most advantageous play.”
This is a key insight. Both quarterbacks, it appears, have their problems when they have to make decisions after being forced out of the pocket. Actually, that is probably the case for most NFL quarterbacks. Brees and others like him who have that quick release have a special advantage because of it.
I have great confidence in either of our quarterbacks as long as they have good protection. We will have to keep after upgrading our offensive line during our next season.
Meanwhile, how can you not have high expectations for the remainder of this season?
______________
Go Bucs!!! Wreak Havoc!! Take down the Steelers!
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:20 am
Dilfer as an analyst is better than Dilfer the QB….
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:25 am
Jameis is the better qb. Give him the same protection and weapons and he’s just a better quarterback. He’ll be starting week 6.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:26 am
Great take. unfortunately barring injuries I think we’ve seen the last of Winston as a starter in Tampa Bay. I think they like Fitzpatrick and they like Griffin a lot and could draft another quarterback in the middle grounds that they can take their time and groom. People have to remember it’s not just the groping of a woman but lying to the organization. He first did not tell them anything as he is required to do. Then he lied about it. Think about it people. One of the guys he was hanging out with is in prison for rape right now so what kind of culture do you think he was hanging out with? I don’t see how they can justify giving him $22 million next year.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:27 am
Joe does wonder how well Jameis might handle, from a football perspective, sitting on the bench for a month or more. Not every QB is wired to have a backup’s mentality and inactivity and then succeed when called to duty.
Exactly my point, and the reason I believe Jameis will start Week 6 against Atlanta. That gives him 2 weeks prep time and the O line isn’t going to play any different with him in the pocket than it has for Fritz. When given time, Jameis can be just as efficient at reading the coverages and hitting the one-on-one matchups. He demonstrated that during the preseason. I agree with everyone else that Fitz has been magic these first two games, but we need to take the long view. I love the fact that we’re winning. Never had an offense like this. But, I don’t think that will change with Jameis under center.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:27 am
Everyone worried how Jameis will handle the backup role. But shouldn’t the question be, how will Fitz handle having Jameis breathing down his neck. How will he handle every mistake being brought up as evidence that Jameis should start?
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:36 am
Great take by Dilfer. Unfortunatley I think we have seen the last of Winston in Tampa as a starter barring injury. You have to remember that not only did he grope the girl but he did not report it to the team as required and then he completely lied about it. The trust is broken in the organization. He is not even that good of a quarterback as he leads all NFL quarterbacks in turnovers for 3 years! I think the Bucs will keep Fitz and Griffin who they like and TRUST, and draft a QB in the mid rounds. The glaziers see whats happening now. Winston and his lawsuit are downers. Look how people are gravitating towards Fitzmagic! A good QB you can like on and off the field. People here need to stop thinking like blind Florida State fans and think like Buccaneer fans.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:46 am
“Its a long season. We will need both QBs”
“I see things”
Kobe Faker
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:46 am
I really could care less if we had Sponge Bob or Goffey playin QB. Alls I care about is Winning and gaining respectabiity for these Bucs. Win by 1 or 20. But by all means just keep Winning..By any means necessary.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:48 am
The thought is that when Fitz has the eventual average or bad game he will be replaced with Jameis. Will the same ultimatum apply to Winston when it happens too? I think we can win with either of them. More than likely we will need both in a long season still ahead.
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:52 am
Kobe- oops was typing still as you posted but was thinking the same thought☺
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:54 am
Kobe Faker Says:
September 7th, 2018 at 8:15 am
They better bring a 3rd QB, cause Fritz and Griffin won’t finish against Philly and that Defensive front
“Fly eagles fly”
America’s QB JW3
September 22nd, 2018 at 11:55 am
Also, Joe agrees with Dilfer, the Fitzpatrick-Jameis transition will be smooth whenever it comes, this year or next.
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Veddy interesting!
tickrdr
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Fitz and the offense looking good. If Winston goes in when he is eligible and has a rough game I don’t even want to hear the outcry of the anti-Jameis crowd after riding the Fitzmobile success. Winston could be the better starter against Chicago because of his youth and mobility. Beating the Steelers will be special seeing as how they are 12-2 on MNF. Some of the talking heads are saying the Bucs will tail off with a poor defense and no running game. Slap em up side the head Bucs.
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:00 pm
“JJV>Geno”
Kobe Faker
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Make that 12-2 under Tomlin on MNF.
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Fitz has the hot hand now,however when the time comes J.W will light it up.Im saying,within two or three weeks of his return,Jameis has a near if not 500 yard passing day ,provided monken is calling plays.
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:19 pm
@Big Daddy:
But with how many POINTS scored, and how many turnovers.
tickrdr
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:19 pm
@ xpfc
What the he11 are you talking about? Jameis has been one of the best qds in the nfl when forced out of the pocket since he has been in the league. He was the #2 rated qb behind rodgers last year and that was with a bum shoulder. Jameis has always excelled on broken down plays and thats why many were wondering why the bucs did not call more designed roll outs. Do buc fans actually research before they write alternative facts? Come on man.
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:20 pm
So when the opponents shut down the long passes, and succeed to stopping the Bucs let’s throw Jameis in to deal with it, so we can blame him for the deterioting of the play…
Genius!
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:28 pm
@ tickrdr
Fitz has been a turnover machine his whole career and has not produced a lot of scoring. I guess in your alternate universe fitz has been joe montana. News flash, to the rest of the world fitz has been a back up qb who will turnover the ball. You dont think fitz is benefiting from great oline play and great weapons? You dont think winston would benefit from the same? Fitz has never been better than jameis and before these 1st 2 games, no nfl analyst would have ever suggested such ludicrous opinion. Thats why every outlet has the bucs going O-3 because the bucs qb was going to be fitz. You know, the career back up turn over machine qb.
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Amazing how many JBFers (blind faith that Jameis will start Week 6) seem to know more than Dirk Koetter does right now. His job & those of all his assistants plus Licht’s job are all on the line right now. Dirk’s already said multiple times that he’ll make the decision who starts in Chicago & beyond when the Bucs need to cross that bridge. Why can’t folks just believe him and enjoy the ride?
Impressive analysis by Trent Dilfer. IMO, his 2 most significant sentences shouldn’t be ignored: “They’re a talented offense with an offensive scheme that again, gives him (Fitz) the keys to the car. [It] allows him to make a lot of decisions before the ball is snapped to get himself and his team in the most advantageous play.”
So according to Dilfer (I personally agree with him), Koetter & Monken have designed an offensive scheme that allows (and in actuality NEEDS) their FIELD GENERAL to call the shots on the field based on what he’s seeing from the defensive formation & then from the defense’s reaction once the play starts. LOTS & LOTS of flexibility it sounds like requiring LOTS & LOTS of near-instantaneous QB decisions. Fitz is demonstrating that he has the intelligence & experience to to be the field general that Koetter & Monken need to run their attack. Jameis certainly has the intelligence to do the same, BUT … he lacks that same level of experience at this point in his career. Unless Fitz falters or gets injured, Jameis could be riding the pine for awhile.
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Being called a backups backup tells the story. Love seeing JW3 jock-sniffers squirm like the parasites they are. ..idiots that can’t stand success, and would like nothing else than to see Fitz fail. ..terrible fans
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:50 pm
@Defense Rules
I agree but you just can’t speak with any logic with some of these FSU JW3 fans. They’d rather blow up a team’s chemistry than take a backseat for awhile.
September 22nd, 2018 at 1:07 pm
@ jean
Where were you when some fans cheered against jameis? Hypocrite
September 22nd, 2018 at 1:19 pm
webster Says:
September 22nd, 2018 at 12:28 pm
@ tickrdr
Fitz has been a turnover machine his whole career and has not produced a lot of scoring……….
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Do you see even an inkling of irony in the above statement?
JW3 has been excellent at getting passing yards between the 20’s BUT not so good at scoring POINTS (19.16 ppg last year) and he seems pretty good at turning the ball over (11 INTs and 15 Fumbles last year).
I posted this recently so please ignore it if you’ve already seen it.
Everyone loves a “gunslinger”, and no one wants their QB to be a “game manager”.
Did you know that in the three years since Winston was drafted (not even counting this year’s games), that there is a group of games that the lowly Bucs (of Buccaneer Cove fame) went 15-4. That’s right 15 wins vs. only 4 losses.
No, it wasn’t when Jameis passed for more than 300 yards, because the Bucs were 4-7 in those games.
No, it wasn’t when Jameis passed for 3 or more TDs, because the Bucs were only 4-4 in those games.
It wasn’t even when Jameis passed for LESS than 230 yards a game, though they were 9-4 in those games!
No, it was when they WON THE TURNOVER BATTLE!
Five game winning streak in 2016? Yep, they won the turnover battle in every game, and the “trainwreck” defense had 14 takeaways during that five game streak.
Oh, and when Fitzpatrick started those three games last year, the Bucs won the turnover battle every game, and went 2-1 in the process.
Everyone says that JW3 played his best ball during the last five games last season, but in those last five games the Bucs gave up 13 turnovers, with JW3 losing 5 of 7 fumbles, and he also threw 5 INTs, while the Bucs went 1-4.
BTW, even though the Bucs won that last game vs. NO, that was the only game that the Bucs were able to win when they had three or more turnovers in a game. That’s right, the Bucs were 1-12 in games with three or more turnovers.
tickrdr
September 22nd, 2018 at 1:21 pm
Coach Koetter said during Hard Knocks,
“Jameis you’re the only guy who can LOSE the game for us.”
I wonder what he meant by that?
tickrdr
September 22nd, 2018 at 1:30 pm
@tickdr
You do not see the irony. Fitz all of a sudden is scoring. Thats not because he is a great qb. Its because the oline, weapons and play calling. Suggesting that winston could not do the same when he has been better than fitz has ever been is ludicrous. You blaming jameis for all of the red zone woes is just as idiotic as giving fitz all of the credit for wins. You buc fans are the dumbest around. Trent is 1OO% correct.
September 22nd, 2018 at 1:42 pm
Jameis has never had to look over his shoulder either. When he messed up, he always got to go right back out to fix things himself.
Now, even if he starts, he knows he’ll be replaced if he messes up. Some guys can handle that; some guys cannot.
September 22nd, 2018 at 1:51 pm
@ tickdr
Oh and you act like every loss the bucs have had under jameis, he turned the ball over. ALTERNATIVE FACTS!!!!! What happen against the falcons last year? Jameis was flawless and the bucs still lost. It takes a team clueless buc fan. What you are seeing in the 1st 2 games is a team effort…….oline, weapons, olaycalling. How many times have we screamed about the bucs being predictable? You dont think that is a factor? We used to see the bubble screen to adam 7 times a game. We have only seen it twice all year and that was week one. Stop with this fitz is the greatest mess and realize this team is maturing. I am one of the few posters who do not bash individual players ie mccoy, conte, kwon donovan etc because i love watching the maturation process. To think fitz is not benefiting from that or jameis could not/would not capitalize on that is ludicrous and that is why tampa fans are a joke.
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:12 pm
@webster
you found one game out of 13 last season where Jameis had no turnovers and we still lost because he couldn’t muster more 3 scores in four quarters. So that is the crux of your argument.? just stfu
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:22 pm
I don’t know which comes first…I have Trent’s Rookie card…and I miss his TV insights…I was buying cards for my boys back in the day Xmas wish lists and they were all baseball names…so I bought 2 football cards for myself on a whim…Trent’s and Barry Sanders…blah..blah…the guy has great insight into the game
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:24 pm
@ jean
If u think its only one game then you are the idiot fan im talking about.
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:26 pm
@ jean
If u think fitz did not turn the ball over on his SEVEN teams he was on then you are definitely the idiot fan im talking about.
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:30 pm
I’m starting to think that Winston is going to start against the Bears, even if Fitzpatrick plays well Monday night. Winston IS the starter and I think Koetter will give Jameis his job back. If he plays bad against the Bears I think he still starts against Atlanta. If he plays bad against the Falcons I think Koetter has to go back to Fitzpatrick and the Jameis Winston era in Tampa will be officially over. The best case scenario is that when Winston comes back, he plays well. The worst case scenario is that we have to give Fitzpatrick a big contract at 36 years old next season. Just beat Pittsburgh and worry about the Bears and Winston on Tuesday. Go Bucs!
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:35 pm
@ jean
Check the green bay or carolina game from last year. But i get it. Truth isnt truth to you.
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:47 pm
@ jean and tickdr
Drew brees has had seasons where he has thrown 15, 16, 15, 18, 17, 22, 14, 19, 17, 15 ints but none of you blame him for losses. You hold a 22, 23 yr old to a higher standard than a future 1st ballot hofmer. I get it though……truth isnt truth.
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:56 pm
Jameis who? I forgot we had a backup quarterback.
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:02 pm
Buccaneric,
Solid take on a possible option for the team.
There’s one thing that is not a part of an organizational development plan.
If the team decides to cut JW the team is not automatically or even likely to resign fitz to a huge contract. The team will certainly entertain keeping him as a backup but the team instantly goes into a search mode. Searching for the next QB .
The draft, free agency and trades are all options. Most likely from a financial and talent pool basis is to target a qb in the draft.
This idea that the only sides are fitz starting long-term or JW returning to the team under an expensive new contract is just a reflection of the fan base who can’t separate their own fandom from business decision-making.
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:10 pm
As a long time season tkt holder i hope Winston becomes the qb for another team ! Time for the bucs to move on from him..
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:19 pm
@ ben
I bet you said the same thing about doug williams, steve young, blount, michael bennett, aqib talib, chris chandler, and trent dilfer. I bet you also love the leader of this fine country
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:28 pm
Webster,
But nobody gives a s.it about new Orleans and nobody has bothered to even think of holding the saints qb to ours. Where does this crap come from.. you I guess because ain’t nobody else even hinting at such nonsense.
If you’re looking for that one game , among a group of games, to demonstrate your own opinion is correct , you’re setting up and legitimizing the other side.
One game from fitz. Thereby negating the “played for seven teams ” and many other generalizations. You’re shooting yourself in the foot.
The idea that JW is better than fitz has ever been is your emotions overruling your sense of reality. Fitz is the qb of the #1 passing team, something JW hasn’t done. There’s nothing to argue other than potential for your side. Until jw performs better than Fitz w all the add-ons you’re specifying its just a large dark cloud of gaseous emissions that 100% rely on the future and not the hard cold facts recorded in the history books. Try walking on a cloud and it’s the same as building around the future.
Last, I keep reading if jw gets more time to throw ……..utter bull spit. JW has had more time and produced nothing in comparison to fitz. So drop one hypothetical because facts destroy the very premise from jump. Next…is what
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:29 pm
@ Webster
You do realize that JW is a turnover machine as well, right? They both are average QB’s at best but Fitzpatrick has more experience. I don’t want to talk chit about Jameis even though I could. He will get a chance to prove himself, probably before the season is over. Enjoy it while you can because hot streaks are rare for the Bucs. I just want the team to win no matter who the quarterback is. We haven’t won a Playoff game since the Superbowl. The way Fitzpatrick is playing now gives me hope that this could be the year. Jameis had his chance in 2016 and he blew it throwing so many INT’s at the beginning of the year. If he played better in just one of those games we would have made the Playoffs in Koetter’s first year as HC. Just give Fitzy a chance to get us off to a good start. Maybe JW can mop up when and if Fitz has a couple bad games. #FearTheBeard #GoBucs
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:39 pm
@ tickrdr
Nice stats on the Bucs there. You really did your homework.
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:53 pm
webster Says:
September 22nd, 2018 at 2:35 pm
@ jean
Check the green bay or carolina game from last year. But i get it. Truth isnt truth to you.
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Not exactly directed to me, but you should have picked better examples.
In the first Carolina game, JW3 threw 2 INTs and lost his only fumble for 3 TOs, and the team managed to score only THREE points.
In the second Carolina game, JW3 threw NO INTS(hooray!), but managed to lose all THREE of his fumbles. A few wags suggested he lost more than that when he almost tackled Shelton Quarles while charging the refs, but not me.
In the GB game, while he only had ONE turnover, he fumbled and managed to hand the ball to a defensive lineman who rumbled for a TD.
tickrdr
September 22nd, 2018 at 3:55 pm
@Big Stinky:
Thank you, and a tip of the hat to you, sir!
tickrdr
September 22nd, 2018 at 4:39 pm
@ d1
The bucs have had one of the worst ranked offensive lines for the last 3 years. Where have you been? I get it though…truth isnt truth.
@ big stinky
Jw put the bucs in position to win against the raiders early in the ’16 season with 3 minutes to play but the defense could not get one stop. But sure blame jameis. He also scored 34 pts early against the rams but sure blame jameis.
@ tickdr
Just like you dont blame fitz for his int, jameis fumble against green bay was not his fault. You just googled stats? Lol. I get it ……truth isnt truth
September 22nd, 2018 at 4:54 pm
D1, free agency or trades for what QB? If Fitzpatrick plays good for the whole season then the Bucs would want him back. QBs are playing longer now so Fitzpatrick would want a 3 or 4 year deal for starter money. 20mil+ per season. Your idea of starting over with a new QB is the worst case scenario. My fandom and their business decisions don’t make starting over with a rookie QB any better. You DID say that the new QB would likely come from the draft. Hello 3-13 next season.
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:19 pm
I trust the coaches will make the right decision on starting quarterback when the time comes. I still cant get the picture of Deshawn Jackson’s face out of my mind when Jamesis went on his infamous “eat a W” rant. Also the look of disgust on His and Mikes face when they would be wide open and Jamesis would throw it 10 yards out of bounds. I think right now at this moment Fritz is the better quarterback no question. He’s not the turnover machine and force the ball qb that jamesis is. I would think by this time Jamesis would be showing improvement on decision making both on and off the field. Also how much trust to you put in a guy that is one more mistake away from being out of football? I hope for the best for Jamesis but he needs to start doing things that build trust in his coaches and us fans.
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:41 pm
Just in case Tampa Bay for a quarterback next year I throw in Ryan Finley has a strong contender this guy is no joke!
September 22nd, 2018 at 10:43 pm
Just in case Tampa Bay is looking for a quarterback next year I recommend Ryan Finley NC State as a strong contender this guy is no joke!
September 23rd, 2018 at 1:27 am
I Agree with D1, I’ll admit I didn’t want Winston or Mariota. Obviously I was wrong about Glennon but did want the Bucs to roll with him over drafting a QB #1. I thought we could have traded down and acquired more pics for the future. Fast forward a few years and I became a big Winston fan. In my opinion there’s a lot to be excited about, a lot to shake your head at as well. I hope Winston comes in at some point this year and lights it up, hopefully not because Fitz is struggling either. He’s still young for sure, some say after 3 years he is what he is at this point. I have no idea if he can still improve or if we’ve seen all there is to see. If Winston does start again this year and us unimpressive then I say it’s either time to look to the draft, trade for a younger yet proven vet or somehow sign Winston to a 1 or 2 year “show me” deal. Really pulling for the kid though. Let’s hope the D can tighten it up and the quarterback situation works itself out. If that happens I believe we suddenly have a team to be excited about!
September 23rd, 2018 at 2:33 am
If you give any QB in the NFL a clean pocket and WR’s getting themselves open and a green light to go downfield, you’re going to have success. Most likely not this level of success since it’s unstainstable (Fitz has a 151.5 rating and is on pace for 72 total TDs, and 6600 yards – which would rewrite the record books by far and probably put him in the HOF), but if this keeps up he can put up huge numbers. Again, I don’t expect it to happen, I think teams adjust, that always happens, then it’s up the Monken to adjust, but anywho ride it for as long as possible, then put Winston in and hope he lights it up too.